صفحة 544 من 657

"Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but,

calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty £ 1000

notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the precious

case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not but think

with some misgivings of the immense responsibility which it

entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it was a

national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any

misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever

consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter

the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned

once more to my work.